"LeDom du Vin: a Wine blog to enjoy 'til the last drop!"
Tasting everything from anywhere, from the multimillion dollar Chateaux to that small, unknown cellar ending a dirt path surrounded by vineyards...

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The birthplace of the one of most famous Bordeaux family of the 18th century, the Ségur family, Château de Francs was an important stronghold under English occupation before it was converted into a residence. It overlooks the surrounding countryside and still has remains that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

Nestled on the top of hills east of St. Emilion and Côtes de Castillon, the “Côte de Francs” is the smallest appellation in Bordeaux with some of the highest vineyards in the area. Chateau de Francs vineyard is made up of old, low-yield red and white vines that benefit from excellent soils rich in clay and limestone, and take advantages of the lowest rain fall in the area, producing full flavored reds.

In 1985 two friends, Dominique Hébrard, former owner of Château Cheval Blanc, and Hubert de Bouard, oenologist and co-owner of Château Angelus, got together to take over this estate. With passion and enthusiasm, they oversee the destiny of this wine and strive to bring it up to its best possible standard.

Info taken from www.chinawineberry.com

Tasting notes: A blend of approximately 70% merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this 2002 Chateau de Francs “Les Cerisiers” is a great example of a good wine from the unappreciated 2002 vintage. Slightly restrain and a bit tannic, it has a lovely deep ruby color. The nose boasts aromas of mixed blackberry, red cherry and blue berry. The palate is medium bodied with a good tannic structure. Still tight last winter, it opens up in the glass with a quite fleshy mid-palate, and it drinks beautifully now. It won’t age forever, but will continue to develop nice characteristics within the next 2-3 years maximum. It will be ideal with a grilled steak topped with shallots and a touch of melting butter.